Wal-Mart sued after shopper trips over folded rug

A Wal-Mart shopper has filed a lawsuit claiming she tripped and fell over a folded mat.

Brenda Hagans filed suit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., unknown sales associates, Wal-Mart Louisiana and ABC Insurance Co. on Dec. 16, 2010 in Tangipahoa Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Feb. 7.

The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 11, 2010 as Hagans was shopping in the Wal-Mart store located in Hammond. Hagans states that as she was walking back into the store, she tripped and fell over a black rug.

She landed on her knees and then fell over. According to the lawsuit, a Wal-Mart employee assisted Hagans off the floor and called the manager to report the incident. Hagans states the rug she tripped over was folded up, causing her to fall.

The defendant is accused of failing to keep the floor safe, failing to keep the shopping floor clear from hidden obstacles and failing to warn customers of hidden obstacles.

Hagans is seeking damages for bodily injuries, pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress, medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity, inconvenience, fear and fright, embarrassment, humiliation and aggravation, loss of ability to participate in normal activities, court costs, attorney's fees and interest.

The plaintiff is represented by Donna U. Grodner of Grodner & Associates in Baton Rouge.

U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00247